"i bought these shoes because the birkenstock style sandal is "in" this summer. i didn't want to buy expensive birkenstocks for something that's going to be a seasonal trend, but i saw these and they are affordable and better looking. love the silver color, it looks much more chic than frumpy brown. took a few wears to break in, i had a blister on the top of my foot from the strap rubbing against it. put some moleskin on the inside of the strap and it's much better now."